When The Exploited unleashed their live album "On Stage" in 1981, Britain was in the throes of social and political upheaval. The punk movement, which had exploded a few years earlier, was still coursing with rebellious energy. The Exploited were at the forefront, their music fueled by working-class rage and a visceral rejection of authority.
"On Stage" is a raw and uncompromising document of that defiant spirit. Recorded at Edinburgh's notorious Nite Club, the album pulsates with the sweat-soaked electricity of a band in its defiant prime. Frontman Wattie Buchan's sneering vocals cut through the din, spitting out anthems like "Punks Not Dead," "Army Life," and "Sex & Violence." The guitars are a buzzsaw assault, the rhythms relentless, and the crowd's chaotic energy is palpable.
Musically, "On Stage" is a distillation of The Exploited's early sound. They were never the most technically gifted of bands, but they more than made up for it with sheer aggression. There's a primal power in this music, a sense of no-holds-barred abandon that resonated deeply with disaffected youth at the time.
The Exploited were, of course, controversial figures. Their lyrics were often violent, sometimes misogynistic, and always politically incorrect. Yet, they had a devoted following who saw in them a reflection of their own frustrations and an outlet for their anger. Their willingness to push boundaries wasn't just for show, either – during one notorious performance, they brought a pig onstage and simulated slaughtering it, leading to outrage and cementing their status as genuine provocateurs.
The Nite Club was another essential ingredient in the heady mix of "On Stage." A dive bar with a reputation for violence, it was the perfect setting for The Exploited's brand of sonic mayhem. The album's raucous atmosphere captures the chaos and energy of one of their legendary shows.
